I used to really not like Snyder. It always felt like he didn't know what he was doing or hardly ever knew anything about the people he had on his show. This being a fine example. Pronouncing "bass player" was a perfect start. I've since grown to like his idiocy and the laid back approach to talk shows. But boy I used to fume over the fact he got paid to do this.
I didn't think Tom Snyder was stupid, just (somehow) awkward and obnoxious at the same time. Even when Snyder genuinely enjoyed himself, he still did that robotic laugh, and still came across as out-of-step with his interview subjects.